Daily Current Affairs (30 – June – 26)

Daily Current Affairs (30 – Jun – 26)

1. Rajasthan and Haryana Sign Historic Yamuna Water Project Agreement  –

What Is the Yamuna Water Project?

• The Yamuna Water Project is the inter-state water infrastructure initiative which is designed to transport Rajasthan’s allocated share of the Yamuna River water through an underground pipeline network.
• The project will draw water from the Western Yamuna Canal and it deliver to Rajasthan by using a modern pipeline system and enabling the state to utilize its share of water allocated under the 1994 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Sharing of the Utilisable Surface Waters of the Upper Yamuna Basin.
• The initiative also benefits Haryana by improving regional water management and ensuring a reliable drinking water supply.

Why Was This Agreement Needed?

• Although Rajasthan was allocated the share of the Yamuna waters under the 1994 Upper Yamuna Basin agreement, the absence of adequate infrastructure prevented the effective utilization of this allocation.
• For nearly three decades, this issue remained unresolved because of the technical, financial and administrative challenges.

2. India’s First Offshore Airport Approved in Maharashtra: Location, Features, Benefits –

• Maharashtra is set to become home to India’s first offshore airport, marking a major milestone in the country’s aviation infrastructure. The ambitious project has received in-principle approval from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, following a proposal presented by the Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC).
• The proposed offshore airport will be developed off the coast of Palghar district and is expected to significantly improve air connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The project aims to address the growing demand for aviation infrastructure while overcoming land constraints in one of India’s most densely populated regions.

What is an Offshore Airport?

• An offshore airport is an airport constructed entirely over the sea, either on an artificial island or on specially designed offshore platforms. Unlike conventional airports built on land, offshore airports utilize marine areas, making them an ideal solution for coastal cities facing land shortages.

3. Delhi EV Policy 2.0 Explained: New Rules, Subsidies, Tax Benefits and Petrol Vehicle Deadlines from July 1, 2026 –

• Delhi approved the Delhi Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, and it will be effective from July 1, 2026, to March 31, 2030. This policy primarily aims to accelerate the electric vehicle adoption via the subsidies, tax exemptions, scrappage incentives and the phased transition away from the petrol and CNG vehicles. This scheme is backed by the estimated amount of ₹15,000 crore budget and this policy seeks to improve the Delhi’s air quality, reduce vehicular emissions, and expand EV infrastructure.

About the Delhi EV Policy 2.0?

• Delhi EV Policy 2.0 is the updated roadmap to make electric mobility to the preferred mode of the transportation in the capital. This policy combines the financial incentives with regulatory reforms to encourage the residents, businesses, and commercial operators to switch from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to the electric vehicles.
• The policy focuses onto the,
• Increasing EV ownership across all vehicle categories.
• Reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Expanding charging infrastructure.
• Promoting zero-emission public and commercial transport.
• Phasing out of the new registrations of petrol and CNG vehicles in stages.

4. PM Narendra Modi Meets Jonathan, the World’s Oldest Living Land Animal, During Seychelles Visit –

• Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Jonathan who is the world’s oldest living land animal during his official state visit to Seychelles National Botanical Gardens on 28th June, 2026. The meeting was formed part of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Seychelles and he attended the country’s National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour and also commemorated the 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Seychelles.

PM Modi Visits Seychelles National Botanical Gardens

• One of the major highlights of Prime Minister Modi’s Seychelles visit was his tour of the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, which is one of the country’s most renowned conservation sites.
• During the visit, the Prime Minister.
• Met Jonathan, the world’s oldest living land animal.
• Planted a tree as a symbol of the environmental conservation.
• Also highlighted the importance of the sustainable development.

5. Italy Becomes the UNESCO World Heritage Capital with 61 Protected Sites –

• Italy has officially become the UNESCO World Heritage Capital after reaching 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the highest number recorded by any country in the world. This remarkable achievement highlights Italy’s extraordinary cultural heritage, ancient history, architectural marvels, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
• Out of the 61 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 55 are Cultural Heritage Sites and 6 are Natural Heritage Sites, reflecting the country’s unparalleled contribution to world civilization. The recognition further strengthens Italy’s position as one of the world’s most visited cultural tourism destinations.

Italy Becomes the UNESCO World Heritage Capital

• Italy now holds the distinction of having the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, surpassing every other nation. The latest addition to the prestigious list has taken the country’s total to 61 protected sites, showcasing more than two millennia of history, art, architecture, archaeology, and natural beauty.

MCQ Quiz

Q1. Amrabad Tiger Reserve is located in which state ?

1. a) Maharashtra
2. b) Karnataka
3. c) Telangana
4. d) Madhya Pradesh

Q2. Lonar Lake, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state ?

1. a) Kerala
2. b) Karnataka
3. c) Gujarat
4. d) Maharashtra

Q3. The Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project is being developed on which river ?

1. a) Beas
2. b) Jhelum
3. c) Chenab
4. d) Ravi

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding China’s non-fossil energy target:

1. China has announced a target of generating 50% of its electricity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030.
2. Non-fossil energy sources include nuclear, hydropower, solar, and wind energy.
3. Under the Paris Agreement, countries are required to adopt identical renewable energy targets.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 2 and 3 only
3. c) 1 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2 and 3

Explanation-

• China has announced its goal of generating 50% of its electricity from non-fossil energy sources by 2030. The target includes electricity generated from nuclear power, hydropower, wind energy, and solar energy, reflecting China’s efforts to reduce dependence on coal and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
• However, the Paris Agreement does not prescribe identical renewable energy targets for all countries. Instead, each country submits its own Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) based on national circumstances.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010:

• It is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The Act prohibits election candidates, journalists, and government servants from receiving foreign contributions.
• Interest accrued on foreign contributions deposited in a bank is not considered a foreign contribution under the Act.
• The registration granted under the FCRA is valid for a period of five years.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 2 only
2. b) 1,2 and 4 only
3. c) 1, 2 and 3 only
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• Statement 1 is correct: The FCRA is enacted by Parliament and administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Its primary objective is to ensure that foreign contributions do not adversely affect India’s sovereignty, internal security, or public interest.
• Statement 2 is correct: To prevent foreign interference in Indian politics and governance, the FCRA prohibits specific individuals and groups from accepting foreign contributions. These include election candidates, journalists, media companies, judges, government servants, political parties, and politicians.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: According to the FCRA framework, the interest accrued on foreign contributions deposited in a bank account is legally treated as a “foreign contribution.” Therefore, it must be accounted for and utilized in the same manner as the principal foreign funds.
• Statement 4 is correct: Under the FCRA, NGOs and associations intending to receive foreign funds must obtain registration or prior permission. This registration is initially valid for a period of five years and is subject to renewal based on compliance with all regulatory norms.